Chew #14 – Review

by John Layman (writer & letterer) and Rob Guillory (art & colors)

The Story: Tony’s past love life is detailed and John has the unfortunate task of confronting the always deadly Mason Savoy.

What’s Good: While Chew is a very funny book, it’s issues like this that remind you that John Layman’s ongoing series isn’t just a series of gags and jokes.  It’s also about human relationships, and that’s what shines through this month.  Amelia and Tony’s relationship continues to be a fun read; it’s always touching, tender, and lovable, while always being just self-aware enough, especially thanks to Guillory’s art, to keep it from ever becoming nauseating.

Then there’s the relationship shared by John and Tony.  Never has there been a stronger proof of John’s loyalty for Tony than what we get this month.  It’s so strong that it could easily enter bromance territory.  It’s also a great character moment for John, again showing that he really does care a great deal about Tony, though he’ll never outright say it to Tony’s face.  It’s stuff like this that makes John such a great character and far more than just a two-dimensional sarcastic joker.

There are laughs to be had as well though.  Layman introduces us to Tony’s psychotic ex-girlfriend Mandy through a series of flashbacks, leading us to believe she’ll be important in the long run of the series.  Suffice it to say that Layman takes the qualities of your typical psycho girlfriend and drives it to over-the-top excess.  It’s great fun.

Rob Guillory’s artwork also helps with all of this.  His illustrations of the despairing Mandy are hilarious and across this issue, he once again proves why he’s one of my favourite comic artists when it comes to characters’ facial expressions.  Guillory’s figures are also great, especially when it comes to portraying the ludicrous action scenes involving the absurdly ninja-like Savoy.